What an Ideal School District Does to Learn More About Sankofa Chronicles

As school districts look for meaningful ways to support student well-being, strengthen social-emotional learning, and build culturally responsive classrooms, Sankofa Chronicles offers a fresh, innovative approach centered on storytelling, identity, and the power of reflection.

Districts that get the most out of exploring Sankofa Chronicles take a thoughtful, strategic approach to learning about the program. Here’s what an ideal district does before deciding if the project is the right fit for their schools.

1. Start with a Discovery Conversation

The strongest districts open with an introductory call. This conversation gives leaders a clear understanding of:

• The purpose, mission, and vision behind Sankofa Chronicles
• How the storytelling framework supports SEL competencies
• How the program can complement existing district initiatives
• What rollout, training, and support can look like

This is where district leaders can share their goals and challenges and begin to see how the project might meet their needs.

2. Review Sample Modules and the Teacher Toolkit

Nothing explains Sankofa Chronicles better than the resources themselves. Districts typically request:

• A preview of student-facing multimedia stories
• Lesson plan examples
• Professional development materials
• Family and community engagement resources
• Classroom activities that reinforce SEL skills and cultural connection

This helps leaders visualize how the program works in real instructional settings.

3. Explore the Program Framework

Since the project is still in its early stages of study, districts focus on its design—not on data that isn’t yet available. This includes:

• The SEL competencies we target
• The cultural and historical themes embedded in the stories
• The way the curriculum supports empathy, identity, and reflection
• The rationale behind the storytelling approach

Districts appreciate that Sankofa Chronicles is intentionally structured to align with whole-child priorities while offering fresh, narrative-driven content.

4. Observe a Demo or Training Preview

Ideal districts request a live or recorded walkthrough. This may include:

• A sample module from the LMS
• A look at student discussion prompts
• A snapshot of the teacher experience during PD
• A walkthrough of pacing and recommended delivery

Seeing the flow helps districts understand how teachers and students move through the experience.

5. Meet the Collaborative Partners

Districts value knowing the people who shape the work. They often request introductions or bios for the core partners:

• MLK Sr. Community Resources Collaborative
• Lance Lucas and Associates
• Morehouse College
• Spelman College
• Connect With Kids
• Advisory Trail
• Empirical Education (future research partner)
• Pocket PR+

These conversations help districts feel confident that Sankofa Chronicles is grounded in expertise, thoughtful design, and strong collaboration.

6. Identify an Internal Exploration Team

Before committing, ideal districts bring together a small cross-functional group. This can include:

• SEL or whole-child director
• Curriculum and instruction leader
• School administrator
• Teacher representative
• Family engagement coordinator

This group helps assess fit, readiness, and alignment.

7. Request a Customized Implementation Overview

Once leaders understand the project, districts often ask for a clearer picture of the rollout. They request a customized plan that outlines:

• Ideal grade levels
• Training and PD options
• Classroom pacing
• Teacher support systems
• Engagement touchpoints
• Suggested timeline for launch

With a tailored overview, districts can see how Sankofa Chronicles would integrate into existing high school structures.

A Simple, Strategic Next Step

Districts that take these steps don’t just explore a program—they discover a pathway for strengthening student voice, cultural awareness, and emotional development through storytelling. They begin imagining how the Sankofa principle—learning from the past to move forward—can shape their classrooms, their culture, and their community.